It’s uncommon for one model of U.S. automobile to burst ahead of the others. But, occasionally there are exceptions when totally innovative body styles and high-powered engines set some makes of vehicle apart, and one such car was the Pontiac Catalina 1963.
The 235,000 Catalina cars Pontiac made in 1963 were distributed among seven comparable, but different models. Yet, each had a multitude of similar features that made the ’63 Catalina a beloved and memorable car for years to come.
Styling and luxury were the trademarks of the Catalina that year when the automobile combined clean, square lines with an angled roof. Secondary features that brought additional appeal to the ’63 Catalina included recessed split grilles and upward curving taillights. In addition, the ’63 Catalina had plain, full-length body moldings and surprisingly small hubcaps.
The high-end factory price for a ’63 Catalina was $3,300 for a convertible, while prices for the two-door sedan dipped as low as $2,725. About 80,000 four-door sedans were manufactured in 1963, which placed it as the No. 1 seller from among the seven models of Catalina sold that year. The factory price of a four-door sedan was $2,795.
Power and visuals weren’t all that created the public’s love affair with the ’63 Catalina; it also was priced similar to the Ford Galaxy, Chevy Impala, and Dodge 880.
Engines for ’63 Catalina’s produced as much or more power than any other car then driving on the highways. With a wheelbase of 120”, some versions were equipped with high-powered 389 cubic inch engines known to produce 410 horsepower. Although officially listed as 410 horsepower engines, 389 cubic inch versions often were said to produce much more horsepower than that.
NASCAR and drag strip successes in 1961 and 1962 precluded the overwhelming acceptance of the more powerful ’63 Catalina.
Although buying a convertible Cars for sale undoubtedly would be expensive almost a half century after it was first manufactured, anyone interested in the vehicle can go online and buy a 1:18 scale Precision Die-Cast Replica of the car at an extremely reasonable price.